NEW DELHI - United Arab Emirates will stage the initial phase of the IPL while Bangladesh was kept on standby for some of the matches by the BCCI, ending weeks of speculation over the venues of the high-profile event which was Mar. 12 scheduled from April 16 to June 1. The tournament, which had to be partly relocated out of the country owing to the general elections, will return to India for the final phase from May 13...

though the BCCI has sought the government's permission to stage matches in the country from May 1 itself. The early return to India would be possible only if the government agrees to provide security to the tournament in states where polling would have concluded at that stage. "The BCCI is pleased to announce that the 2014 Pepsi IPL season will start on April 16 and conclude on June 1," Board Secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement. The initial phase of the tournament would be played out at three venues in the UAE -- Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from April 16 to 30.The second half has been tentatively kept in Bangladesh but could be held in India if the BCCI manages to get the government's clearance. For the period from May 1 to 12, BCCI has approached the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, seeking permission to play IPL matches in India in cities where the polling has concluded in the respective state."BCCI is extremely conscious of the various complexities involved, but hopes for a favorable consideration. BCCI will abide by the decision of the authorities in this regard. If it is not possible to play in India during this period, IPL matches will be held in Bangladesh and BCCI is thankful to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the government of Bangladesh for their support," the Board said. But there is no ambiguity for the final leg, which will be held in the country. From May 13 (once polling has concluded in all states), the remaining league matches plus the Playoffs will be played in India. There will be no matches scheduled on the counting day of May 16. BCCI will take the advice of the authorities if any further restrictions are required around the counting day. (PTI)